Every October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month is observed as a way to bring advocates across the country together to end domestic violence. It was first observed in 1981 as a national "Day of Unity." Domestic violence is a huge issue in our nation and leads to negative ramifications throughout local communities. There is no “cliche” domestic violence victim. Victims are of every race, socioeconomic class, and profession and reside in every neighborhood.
Statistics show that 1 in 4 women, and 1 in 9 men experience severe intimate partner physical violence. 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men have been victims of severe physical violence (e.g., beating, burning, strangling) by an intimate partner in their lifetime and 1 in 15 children are exposed to intimate partner violence each year, 90% of these children are eyewitnesses to this violence. Nationwide, domestic violence accounted for 21% of all violent crimes. And while research indicates approximately 25% of women will experience this, only 2.5 to 15% will report it. Besides the mental and physical toll, there are a host of economic impacts in regard to domestic violence.
Financial abuse is a key indicator of abuse. Victims are often not allowed access to money, transportation, or personal cell phones, they have often been isolated from friends and family and in extreme cases, basic necessities such as food. With little to no financial means, having resources available throughout the community is dire for the well-being of the victim and their children.
United Way of Central Washington partners with a variety of extremely vital agencies aimed at helping those not only experiencing hardship, but those escaping an unhealthy and dangerous relationship. United Way funds agencies that run; food banks, youth mentorship programs, homeless shelters, at-risk youth programs, family crisis and self-sufficiency programs, advocacies for victims of sexual and domestic violence, family crisis centers, treatment services for mental health and substance abuse, and services towards providing care for pregnant women.
Although Domestic Violence across Central Washington is a multifaceted issue that we know that it’s often unreported, we empower victims by providing the possibility of a safe, nurtured future and lend a helping hand to the agencies that are there, when you need them.
We are so thankful for our amazing donors and volunteers who continue to keep these amazing resources possible.